Mr. Darcy's Unexpected Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice variation

by Teresa Darwell

  Not to mention the ridiculous and impertinent description of Georgiana as poor and unfortunate! It would seem Mrs. Bennet had lost her initial awe of her son-in-law and regained her propensity for insensitive babble. With a glance of dismay at her husband’s countenance she saw his colour pale and his lips tighten to a thin line.

  Even Mr. Bingley, the master of bringing mirth and perspective to all situations, was silent. Jane was obviously distressed, anxiously wringing her napkin between her hands. Elizabeth tried desperately to think of something to say that might ease the atmosphere when rescue came from the most unexpected quarter.

  “Oh mama!” cried Lydia, “Do not let us spoil such a feast with talk of posture. Why, I am sure that after we have dined I shall be practically supine upon my chair. How are we expected to be at our ease and savour the meats if we must be ever vigilant of our seat? I am sure Georgiana merely examined the table for a moment and was not at all slack. Is that not so?”

  She turned to Georgiana who blushed a little to have all the attention of the table directed at her, but this time it was with a grateful smile, “Quite so Miss Bennet, I was on point of reaching for a bread, but naturally I can understand why it might appear as though I were sitting idly.”

  “There mama. Do you see? All is well. You need have no fear that Miss Darcy will develop a stoop and since we are all family now, you need have no vigilance at all. Is that not so Mr. Darcy?”

  Elizabeth, as she often found to be so of her sister Lydia, was torn between wonderment at her ability to get directly to the point of the matter, and indignation of such forwardness in speaking thus to Mr. Darcy!

  Fortunately for all, Mr. Darcy was so much at ease these days that even though he would still absolutely feel the heat of annoyance when provoked, such interludes tended to be infrequent and short-lived - and in all probability only likely to be elicited by foolish thoughtlessness such as that perpetually exhibited by her own mother.

  She was happy to see him relax once more, and even more gratified to see her mother smile and nod her head in agreement with Lydia. That such a speech would have elicited a different reaction had it come from herself, she was quite sure! Still, the very fact that Mrs. Bennet now had three daughters well-married – if only in her own eyes, had most definitely mellowed her.

  If Kitty and Mary would be settled one day was unknown and frankly, not of importance, save for their own happiness. Since Elizabeth and Jane were so well established, both the remaining Miss Bennets and their mother could be at peace in the knowledge that they would be cared for.

  Gone was the eternal shadow which Elizabeth believed had tormented her mother endlessly, that of being thrown on the street the moment Mr. Bennet passed on. They may not be able to procure Longbourn for their mother, that of course depended upon the desires of Mr. Collins. Elizabeth had a suspicion that he would be happy to allow her husband to purchase it for her mother. After all, if Mr. Darcy desired it, he would hardly refuse Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s nephew!

  Still, should it prove that Lady de Bourgh held still the bitter resentment she had made known so harshly against her nephew’s choice of a wife, who knew what course Mr. Collins would decide upon. But it mattered not. If not Longbourn, Elizabeth’s family could now be assured of security.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Chapter Four

  The balance of dinner followed in comfortable vein. Mrs. Bennet made no more reprimands and had no further opportunity to condescend to Mrs. Reynolds since that lady now stood respectfully by the wall overseeing the servants. Thus, all were at their ease.

  “Shall we repair to the parlour madam?” Lizzy asked her mother when the meal was finished and the gentlemen made clear their intent to depart for a post-meal brandy and cigar.

  Mrs. Bennet assented readily, so keen was she to partake of as many of the sumptuous rooms of Pemberley as she could! Lydia was also so inclined and took Georgiana by the arm so that she may lead the way much to the young lady’s surprise. Since Jane had taken charge of their mother in similar fashion, Elizabeth was left to follow in their wake.

  “We shall play a hand or two of whist when the gentlemen rejoin us.” stated Mrs. Bennet.

  Yet again, Lydia was to dissuade their mother.

  “Oh mama!” she cried, “Do we not play whist regularly at Longbourn? And indeed, Wickham and I are often used to make up a party of it even though it is not what we would like.”

  Lizzy wondered briefly what game they would like and hoped it involved no exchange of coin, though she thought undoubtedly it would.

  “What then Lydia my dearest would you have us do? Do you have a preference for quadrille or loo?”

  “I do not want any cards mother. I declare I am so replete I may not arise until it is time to retire. Can we not merely be seated and converse?”

  If Lydia had been of a more sensitive nature, she would surely have wondered of the significance of all the ladies turning their eyes upon her in surprise. Even Georgiana, though less acquainted with Lydia’s character than the others, was taken aback to hear her express such a desire.

  “You no not wish to engage the gentlemen in any game Lydia?” Jane posed the question for all.

  “No,” Lydia sighed. “I tire of such orderly games without my Wickham here to participate. It is most unfortunate his garrison could not spare him. He is much sought over you know, and I should not be surprised if he should end up in charge of all the soldiers.”

  Elizabeth remained silent. She knew, as did Jane, as indeed did Mr. Wickham himself, that it was unlikely in the extreme that he would ever be received at Pemberley. With only the briefest of discussion, it had been agreed between Lizzy and Jane that in the interests of familial accord it was both undesirable and unnecessary to share such fact with Mrs. Bennet or with Lydia herself. Lizzy was quite confident her father would so deduce for himself.

  “I am sure Lydia is quite right,” said Mrs. Bennet in a complete reversal of her former wish, “we can play cards at home on any occasion, and while we are here it will be most interesting to gather such news as we may bring back to Longbourn and our neighbours. Why, did you know Eliza, that since Mr. Collins and Charlotte came back to stay in Lucas Lodge they have been such frequent visitors that I quite believed them to reside with me. Mr. Bennet says they are deciding how to furnish the house when he has gone and of course that set Kitty off crying. I know he is fond of a good jest, but I do wish your father would have some sympathy for my nerves.”

  “I am sure that Charlotte does not visit with any such intention mama. She is most probably keen for company with others. It must be rather isolated in the lodge.” Elizabeth privately thought that since Mr. Collins no longer had his valued connection with Rosings and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Charlotte’s home scene must suffer from a distressing lack of variation, both in happenings and in companionship, and naturally she would have a keen desire to converse with someone other than Mr. Collins.

  She thought for the most fleeting of moments that had she accepted his proposal, she might have been the unhappy wife avoiding time alone with Mr. Collins!

  “That must be dreadful Mrs. Bennet,” exclaimed Miss Darcy. “Elizabeth has told me of the entail passing only to a male heir. My own cousin Anne will inherit Rosings on the occasion of the unfortunate passing of her mother.”

  “Yes,” said Mrs. Bennet a trifle stiffly, “it was a terrible burden to suffer under all the years of my married life. Naturally we never expected to have only daughters. But now that they are married and so well established, I need have no fear. I am sure in fact Lydia would like me to be nearer to her now, if only I could persuade Mr. Bennet to permit such a move.”

  Lydia remained utterly silent and her countenance, usually so animated, was unnaturally still.

  “I know you would too my dears,” continued Mrs. Bennet, addressing Jane and Elizabeth, “but I do feel the youngest child always has a particular need for her mother.”

  “That would not do at all mothe
r,” cried Lydia quickly, “Mr. Wickham is very highly thought of and his Colonel may task him with an undertaking of the utmost importance at any time. He is forever dispatching George to all the corners of England. My dear husband begs and pleads that I should remain in town and not suffer the vagaries and discomfort of travel, but I feel it is my duty to accompany him. In any case, it would be insufferably tedious to stay without hope of entertainment.”

  Lizzy bent her head that her smile may not be seen. If Mr. Wickham was of the mind to travel freely as he may without the company of his wife, he had not at all known the determination of Lydia before they wed. The comfort that such event had taken place thought warmed her as it always did. Lydia’s elopement with Wickham had very nearly led to the utter destruction of the repute and standing of the Bennet family.

  In point of fact, without the intervention of Mr. Darcy, it most assuredly would have done so. Elizabeth would remain eternally chilled to the core upon recall of how very, very close to ruin Lydia’s impetuous, selfish action had brought them. Elizabeth savoured that she may now show her thanks and her love to Fitzwilliam. Which thought made her cheeks redden in remembered pleasure and her head to bend further that she may hide them. Mr. Darcy was very affectionate.

  “I note you have made much of adorning the house.” Lydia’s comment roused Elizabeth reluctantly from private thoughts which had been growing ever more pleasant.

  “We intend to do even more Lydia,” answered Jane, “Indeed, you may very well find yourself called upon to fashion some golden stars.”

  Lydia waved a dismissive hand in summary rejection of such an idea. “Do you not have servants aplenty Lizzy who can do such work?”

  “We have just as many servants as we may need Lydia,” said Lizzy firmly, “but such decorations as these we do with love and are happy to devote our own labour to.”

  “That is a very fine concept I am sure my dear,” said Mrs. Bennet, “but it is unwise. True gentry do not lower themselves to any tasks which may be performed for them. You should not show yourself any less grand than any of the ladies at court Mr. Darcy may have chosen.”

  “I am sure madam,” Jane said softly, “that Mr. Darcy chose as he desired and does not lay any undue restrictions upon dear Eliza.”

  “That is as may be,” sniffed Mrs. Bennet, “but it is unseemly and degrading to waste one’s time in such trivialities.”

  “Fear not madam, we shall not impose upon you – or you Lydia, to pattern any of these trivialities for the season.” Elizabeth said coolly.

  “And what amusement then shall we have?” asked Lydia. “Shall we take a carriage to town upon the morrow?”

  Elizabeth, remembering her promise to Darcy, and determined not to allow their guests to mar the enjoyment of the season, resigned herself and agreed. “Let us do so Lydia. We shall make an excursion to Lambton and there you may visit as many fine merchants as you wish.”

  “Oh Elizabeth!” exclaimed Georgiana, “shall we choose our keepsake gifts there? I have in mind a new pen for Fitzwilliam and am most keen to see the selection at Langton’s.”

  Elizabeth had briefly conceived of the very same gift for her husband but had decided it to be insufficiently special. Thus, she was able to say easily, “That is a wonderful idea Georgiana, you are sure to find something your brother will treasure.”

  Lydia was immediately alert. “What is this? A keepsake gift? I have never heard of such a thing.”

  Jane, unaware of the disquiet it caused Elizabeth, said joyously, “It is a custom in Europe that we recently heard of through our good friend Mr. Blayford – you do not know him. He is recently returned from a tour of the continent and he tells us it is quite customary there to present one’s loved ones with a keepsake for Christmastide and that the gift we present to our husband is one he may treasure as a declaration of our love.”

  Mrs. Bennet said with disdain, “ I am sure I never had need of such wiles with Mr. Bennet. Why, he was so enamored of me that he begged for my hand soon after we were introduced. Naturally I had made sure of his presence exclusively. I do recall I was surprised when papa agreed so readily and without demur to his offer. That of course serves to show how very convincingly Mr. Bennet must have applied for my hand.”

  “Since we are all wed mama, this is no wile. It is a love gift freely given and chosen for to that person most special to us.” Jane was patient in her explanation.

  Lydia clapped her hands as a child might. “What fun!” she cried. “I will choose something for my Wickham that will shame the officer’s wives. And since I may not get word to him in sufficient time for him to select a fitting token of his great love for me, I may do so for him, that he not be distrait.”

  And with that, the gentlemen returned and all talk of love tokens was ended. Elizabeth felt more helpless than before, but she refused to let the despair that crept through her to overwhelm. But oh! She must find a gift in Lambton tomorrow, she must!

  Chapter Five

  After a solid night’s slumber, Lizzy felt much better. Her normal optimism was fully restored, and she was filled with a keen eagerness to have the journey to Lambton underway so that she may choose the perfect keepsake. She wanted nothing more than to once again have little to think of other than the sheer enjoyment of the Christmastide season! She smothered her frustration as her mother insisted on being attended to by three maids and Lydia languished in a scented bath for an excessive time.

  “I will not allow them to cause me distress. I will not allow them to cause me distress” she recited to herself repeatedly. She knew well that if she allowed her impatience to show, Fitzwilliam would sense it and he would then feel distrait. That, she would not permit. So it was with a sweet smile she conversed with Jane, Charles, Georgiana and her husband while they waited for the party to be complete.

  At last they were underway amid much calling out of good wishes from Charles and Fitzwilliam. Both Jane and Lizzy felt the warmth of their husband’s embrace long after the coach drove off.

  It was a beautiful December day, cold and clear, and the rolling hills and laneways of Pemberley were breathtaking in their beauty. The sky was a deep blue such as is only seen in the crispness of winter, and busy little white clouds scudded along hastily. The rolling wheels of the carriage trampled fallen leaves and twigs, the sound of the dead wood cracking battling with the thud of the horses hooves as they trotted at speed.

  When they arrived in town, Lizzy said determinedly that as she had some particular errands to do, she would take only Chambers and her maid with her, and mama and the others must take Benton with them and he would carry their packages. Elizabeth was quite startled to see Lydia immediately frown in consternation. “I had thought we were to spend the day together and shop as we may?” she asked sharply.

  “I will be in company with you and mama Lydia,” said Jane, “I am at least a little familiar with Lambton since Eliza and I were here not more than se’en days ago and I can certainly recollect the merchants we visited.”

  “And I have been here many times and know of the most suitable establishments to take refreshment.” offered Georgiana shyly.

  “If I may speak with you privately Lizzy?” Lydia took Elizabeth by the arm and led her a little away from the others that they may not overhear. “Eliza dear. Since we are here as your guests and your fortune is at the moment greater than my own, I do feel that you may see your way to enhance my purse? After all, I had no knowledge of this keepsake and I cannot be expected to cater adequately to such a notion without sufficient coin.”

  Elizabeth was strangely overcome by a great urge to laugh, but managed to curtail such desire and instead smiled so brightly that Lydia thought privately she must make similar appeal more frequently.

  “Yes of course dear sister,” said Elizabeth. “You must choose a suitable gift for your Wickham. Have the shopkeeper put it to my account and I shall settle when next in town.” That Elizabeth would take it from her own funds such as were free to her, sh
e would not mention. It was unnecessary to torment Mr. Darcy with the knowledge that his wife had been the means of procuring a gift for the undeserving Wickham.

  Lydia’s smile was of the deepest satisfaction and pride. She kissed Lizzy on the cheek and turned to the others saying quickly, “Lizzy has business to attend, come, we shall visit all the best merchants Lambton may offer.”

  She moved swiftly to Georgiana and once more took her by the arm. “Now my dear sister, I think we should visit the milliner first. I am in desperate need of a new hat for the winter season.”

  Chattering excitedly, Mrs. Bennet took the arm Jane offered and the little party departed. Elizabeth felt only a little remorse for not sharing with Jane her need to be quite alone to choose a keepsake for Darcy, but she consoled herself by deciding she would laugh with Jane later – after she was successful in her endeavour and could thus happily mock herself for such unaccustomed anxiousness. Now though, it was time to execute her plan and find the perfect gift for her husband!

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  For some five hours she examined the finest of cravats, the most delicate silken scarves, the most exclusive of gentlemen’s writing supplies, a delicately carved mahogany box suitable for tie-pins and cufflinks, and an exquisite vest inlaid with threads of gold. She scrutinized coats, hats, shoes of leather and shirts with the most elaborate ruffles.

  In a final desperate gambit, she paid visit to the finest jewellery establishment Lambton had to offer. Although she may have little hope of finding a suitable gift therein, her heart allowed her to hope. Fitzwilliam was pristine in his appearance as a rule and considered embellishment to be an unnecessary and somewhat ostentatious display of standing. Even knowing this, she had thought to find a tasteful and classic piece that might please him. Gold tie pins encrusted with emeralds had been briefly considered and rejected – and then, for one blissful moment, she had felt the elation of success!